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LOT 1781
Mesopotamian Bronze Tanged Javelin
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
18 1/8 in. (194 grams, 46 cm).
With a foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium-length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, p.301, fig.2.88, subtype L2.B.b.
FootnotesThe specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with a long, pointed biconvex blade and a single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'.
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Luristan Bronze Tanged Short Sword
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
Substantial blade with rounded shoulders and a short rectangular-section tang. 355 grams, 42.7 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
Luristan was hardly an ethnic or political entity, but the people of Luri had relations through warfare and trade with Sumerians, Lullubi, Assyrians, Babylonians and Elamites over a long period of time, spanning from the 3rd to the 2nd millennium B.C. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses. -
Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Globular in profile with linear decoration; intended to be filled with explosive liquid and a wick, and used as a hand grenade. 678 grams, 11.5 cm
From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια, where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Macehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Tubular in plan with collar to mouth and base, five radiating bulbs. 138 grams, 74 mm
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
